In 1952, Lydia and Raymond Scott were forced to leave their farm in Summer Hill, New Brunswick, when it was expropriated by the government. They moved to nearby Gagetown, where, saddened by the loss of their land, Raymond became ill and Lydia recommended rug hooking as a distraction and therapy. They worked together to produce their rugs; Raymond did the hooking, while Lydia drew the designs based on pictures of their farm and animals. She also chose the colours because Raymond was colour-blind.

Raymond hooked every day beginning around 7:00 in the morning until 11:00 at night, producing an astonishing two rugs per week. The Scotts became so well known for their rugs that that they became known as “The Gagetown hookers.” The simple design and colour palette of these rugs underpins their joyful expression.

Photo: Textile Museum of Canada T2008.23.8Rear view.Photo: Textile Museum of Canada T2008.23.8The simple design and colour palette of these rugs underpins their joyful expression.Photo: Textile Museum of Canada T2008.23.9Rear view.Photo: Textile Museum of Canada T2008.23.9Photo taken in Lydia and Raymond Scott’s backyard in Gagetown, New Brunswick, in the summer of 1985.Photo: Image by Peter Urbanski in The Gagetown Hookers by Larry Dubord, 1988. Courtesy of Larry DubordLydia and Raymond Scott on their farm in Summer Hill, New Brunswick, 1952.Photo: Image courtesy of Larry DubordLydia and Raymond Scott’s farm in Summer Hill, prior to expropriation.Photo: Image courtesy of Jean (Scott) Nickerson and The Base Gagetown Community History AssociationMap of the community of Summer Hill and Dunn’s Corner, New Brunswick.Photo: Image courtesy of The Base Gagetown Community History Association